RFID 201: RFID Programming

When writing information to an RFID tag, information is written in "Words". A word is 2 bytes. 2 bytes is the equivalent of 16 bit. 4 bits (zeros and ones in binary) make up one character that is written into the epc. For example, 0001 in binary is equal to 1 and 1111 in binary is equal to F. This being said, we must program a tag memory bank (EPC, User, Reserved, or TID) in multiples of 4 characters (16 bit). A typical EPC is 96 bit but does not have to be that long. If we cut that EPC in half it becomes 48 bits. 48/4 allows us to program 12 characters into the EPC. This can be done because 48 is divisible by 4. Writing 48 bit would require sending 3 "Words" of data. Each word would look something like this:
Word 1: XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
Word 2: XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
Word 3: XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Where X represents a binary number (0 or 1).
The chart below shows binary representation of each character that can be programmed to an RFID IC.

Tracking assets has been Metalcraft’s primary market since 1950 and we view RFID as another tracking technology for us to accomplish this. So it comes as no surprise that we get asked a lot of questions about RFID related to asset tracking; therefore, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see the question you would like answered please email us at faq@universalrfid.com and we’ll make sure to get you the answers you need.

Metalcraft is an innovative manufacturer of custom tags for identifying, tracking and controlling property, products and processes. Metalcraft’s RFID products include tags for asset tracking, access control and event management. Our patented Universal RFID product line is comprised of four different tags that obtain excellent read ranges regardless of the surface. The Universal Mini RFID Tag has one of the smallest profiles among mount-on-metal tags.